Sunday, October 7, 2012

Road Rage Cop in California

Following the initial road rage incident, both
drivers exited the 71 and stopped inside the Shoppes' parking lot
between California Pizza Kitchen and Dripp.

The off-duty officer reported that the four men exited their
vehicle and approached him. The officer said he saw objects in the hands
of two of the four men.

The officer reported he
armed himself with a gun and fired several shots, striking two of the
men. It was unclear if he ever identified himself as an off-duty officer
prior to firing.

No one has been arrested, leaving some people puzzled and concerned about the outcome of the incident.

"If it was anyone other than a cop, they would be in jail for
at the minimum assault with a deadly weapon," said Phung Li, Chino Hills
resident and business owner.

I don't know if I agree with that. Often a civilian gun owner who acts badly is not arrested. But, in this case it certainly could be because he is a cop.

The problem is both LEO and civilian gun owners are too often unfit to safely handle guns. The only solution I can think of is a stricter enforcing of the laws. One strike you're out would ensure that these trigger happy guys only get one chance to act out their frustrations. In this case, for example, does anyone believe this was the very first time this cop acted badly? I don't.

This case is being investigated, and all the details are not in. It could be a legitimate case of self-defense. Let's note, though, that this was by a law enforcement officer in California--that's a Brady Bunch twofer, for those who are keeping score.

The States and their localities need to employ competent and professional individuals to serve as law enforcement, and protect society, so civilians won't be encouraged to arm and defend themselves, and allow society to sink into the Charybdis of power-decentralization, and ultimately to the abyss of vigilantism.

In other words, unprofessional officers encourage the proliferation of arms among civilians.

Way, way, way too many law enforcement officers are committing heinous violent crimes "under color of law" and getting away with it. As the old question goes, "Who polices the police"? Well I can tell you it usually isn't anyone.

This is a prime example why it's a really bad idea if only law enforcement officers are armed. Their behavior is getting worse and very few of the "brothers in blue" are holding their peers accountable. If they keep it up, citizens are going to start holding them accountable ... and it won't be pleasant.